12 ToK Concepts that we could have had (part 1)

In September 2020 IB helpfully gave us 12 core ToK Concepts. I often wonder why they chose this specific group of 12, are there better concepts that could have made the list ?

This blogpost can also be watched on video at this link, or below.

"Rules" for alternative ToK Concepts.

We're not suggesting replacing the current 12 ToK Concepts - they’re all good, worthy & useful concepts. Further, it is acknowledged that the existence of the current 12 core concepts does not exclude the use of any other concepts. Obviously we constantly use concepts beyond the core 12 in the ToK course. The alternative concepts that are suggested here are proposed merely as being equally worthy of inclusion in the core. 

Alternative ToK Concepts #1-#4

1. Paradigm.

So much of ToK is about knowledge changing over time, and why it changes over time. Paradigm shifts are such easy & accessible ways to help students to see & understand the dynamic nature of knowledge, they could deserve a place on our core list of 12 ToK concepts. ToK essay questions are often about the development of knowledge.

2. Pattern

Knowledge in all AoKs is underpinned by patterns  - either the presence of them, or lack of them. For example the Human & Natural sciences are founded upon finding patterns, and much artistic theory relies upon patterns. I also thought that the concepts of probability, modelling and forecast which are all linked to pattern, could have been included in this list.

3. Hierarchy 

Hierarchy is included in the list partly because Power is in IB’s 12 core ToK concepts.Whilst I don't want to replace power as a concept from the list, hierarchy better describes the range of applications of power. Hierarchy is the result of power, hierarchy is the framework of power, hierarchy is often why power matters.

4. Subjectivity

The fourth alternative concept is subjectivity. As we already have objectivity in IB’s list of 12 core concepts, it would seem to make sense to have subjectivity in the list. However, I am including subjectivity for more than it’s description of knowledge based on personal experience. Subjectivity can also take us into the debate of whether the knower is the subject or object of the production of knowledge. This debate provides us with a good way to unpack many ToK Essay and Exhibition questions.

This blog post looks at the first 4 alternative concepts for the theory of knowledge (ToK) course.

Do you agree with this 4? What alternative concepts would you suggest? Let me know in the comments below.

Stay Tok-tastic friends!
Daniel, Lisbon,
May 2024